Venezuela’s shield-bearing protesters

A demonstrator holding a rudimentary shield and a knife poses for a picture before a rally against Venezuelan President Nicolas Maduro’s government in Caracas, Venezuela, May 27, 2017. He said: “I protest because the situation is very tough and we are going hungry. We really need a change.” (Photo: Carlos Garcia Rawlins/Reuters)

Venezuela’s shield-bearing protesters

Venezuelan protesters blocked streets on Saturday, July 29, in a last-ditch effort to derail the election of a legislative superbody that opponents of President Nicolas Maduro say will give the Socialist leader a stranglehold on power.

The oil-rich but recession-racked country has been gripped by four months of protests against Maduro that have left more than 110 dead in confrontations against security forces, who have responded with tear gas, rubber bullets and water cannons.